USC and quarterback Matt Barkley started the season as the toasts of college football. Or the hated front-runners, depending on how you respond to the Rorschach test that the Trojans are across the nation.

In the preseason, USC's visit to Utah on Thursday, Oct. 4, looked like a big game in the Pac-12's South Division. The Trojans were perceived as national title contenders, and a trip to Rice-Eccles Stadium looked like a potential stumbling block because the Utes looked like they might be the second best team in the division.

PALO ALTO, Calif. Stanfords Kevin Danser was living an offensive linemans dream Saturday night.You finish your block and youre on the ground, and then you look up and your running back is still going, said Stanfords guard.